Floorboard Fixation – How to Keep Your Hardwoods Flawless
There is a lot to be said for maintaining a neat and tidy home. Sure, it can be hard to keep on top of the chores amidst life’s ups and downs and challenges and trials. We’re all busy with work or study or other occupation, and looking after our place can slowly slip down the ladder of priorities. But living in a well-kept house can reduce stress, elevate wellbeing and allow us to enjoy our lives truly. And those living with hardwood timber floors will know the challenges of keeping them flawless intimately. So let’s examine some floorboard fixation and learn how to keep them immaculate.
Regular Cleaning
Your hardwood floorboards will benefit from regular cleaning with a mop or steam cleaner. If you opt for the old school mop and bucket method, then use a specialised timber floor cleaning product along with your hot water. If you choose a steam cleaner – great, the steam will simultaneously clean and disinfect your timber flooring. You want to aim to clean your floorboards at least once a week. Yet there’s a step to the process that you need to do first!
Sweep, or Vacuum First
Before filling that bucket or plugging in your steam cleaner, you want to ensure that your floorboards are free from dirt, dust and debris. The best way to do this is with a broom or a vacuum. If you choose a broom sweep all the dirt into some corners and then collect it with a brush and pan. If you opt for the vacuum, then do a thorough job and switch to a narrow nozzle to get into nooks and crannies. Be sure to move and clean under all furniture, as that’s where dust loves to settle.
What About Stubborn Stains?
Sometimes you’ll come across a stain that just refuses to lift. What should you do in this case? A quick and easy way is to soak a rag with some bleach (hydrogen peroxide) and let it soak into the stain, then rub it off and dry. If you’re averse to using harsh chemicals, try some vinegar instead. It’s also a good idea to tackle stains before they can set into the wood, so be diligent and vigilant around the house and spot clean as drinks and food are spilled.
Shoes Off Rule
An easy way to minimise the amount of cleaning you have to do is by instigating a shoes-off rule. You’d be amazed and just how much dirt makes its way inside on the bottom of your shoes or your visitor’s shoes. So make it a household rule – shoes off at the door. Some people like to put a sign at the front door to remind visitors. You can do this or just ask politely as people come to see you. If you want, you can install a shoe cupboard or rack right next to the door. These are a handy way to store your shoes as well as keeping the dirt down.
A Clean Conclusion
There are a few ways you can keep your hardwood timber floors looking flawless. A good mop or a steam cleaner will have them clean and gleaming, but only if you’ve swept or vacuumed up all the dirt, debris and dust first. For stubborn stains consider using some bleach or vinegar to scrub them off. Finally, it may be worth implementing a shoes-off rule for your home. A helpful sign can remind visitors, and a shoe rack or cupboard just inside the door will give you a place to store your kicks, boots and sandals.
